‡ Silhouette ‡ Preparing for the End ‡ (O/A)

Which side are you on?

Evokers	22.2%	[ 2 ]
Wraiths	33.3%	[ 3 ]
My own	44.4%	[ 4 ]
Total Votes:			[ 9 ]

[LegalAssassin13]

Aftershock
‡Aftershock‡

The year is 2116. It's been three years since the end of World War III and the end of nearly all life on Earth. Humanity struggles to rebuild society while violence runs rampant. Eventually some sort of order is formed in each of the broken countries, one by one.

Atticus Greyman rebuilds the nation once called the U.S.

A charismatic, caring, and intelligent man, he is aided by a mysterious woman with white hair and white eyes, rumored to be an oracle. Together, order is returned to the chaotic nation. Five cities are built for each of the regions while a main capital is created in the center. While political power in each of the cities returns to the democratic republic once seen in the country, there is another power that remains secret; Atticus and his children-his son by blood and five others who were adopted-each go into one of the cities and the capital and remain there.

Because the war did more than destroy.

It created a gateway to another world, one that is more barren than this and where a blood-red moon constantly shines. And the creatures that dwell there-Wraiths-are drawn to the suffering and despair that flourished in the aftershock. They feed on the mortals until they are little more than husks which give birth to new wraiths.

Only Atticus and his children oppose them.

For the woman with white hair and white eyes also taught Atticus how to form contracts with etheral beings for power needed to destroy Wraiths. In turn, Atticus taught his children so they may continue his work. His children form their own families so they may pass their duties on as well, preparing for the worst.

Except for betrayal from one of their own.

Mihai Sterling, one of the children Atticus adopted, somehow learns the truth behind the conflict and is driven mad by the horrible realization. Not long after, Wraiths attack his home, this time accompanied by a stronger one never seen before. It is drawn to Mihai's grief and despair and-before the horrified eyes of his wife and child-enters his body and soul. They are bound by those feelings and a common desire which no one to this day can guess. Shortly after, Mihai's family is killed.

His father and siblings soon enter.

They fight a long, brutal battle made harder by reluctance to kill a loved one. Yet somehow, Atticus runs his beloved child through the heart, freeing his spirit from the torment. The Wraith-now calling himself the Lord of the Abyss-still remains thanks to the fragments of Mihai's emotions and memories. Lacking the strength to finish him, Ezra Middleton-who was very close to Mihai in life-sacrifices his life so that the Lord of the Abyss's essence is split into five.

And one day, they will face him one last time.

╚ Aftershock~In Our Solemn Hour~The Commandments~World Layout~Evokers~Wraiths~Profiles~White List~Black List~Role Play ╝

[LegalAssassin13]

In Our Solemn Hour
‡In Our Solemn Hour‡

Atticus's family was never the same after that fateful battle. They returned to their respective cities save for the North East capital-which the Wraiths took over-with a fragment of the Lord of the Abyss's essence. Atticus himself had to take the fragment and the news of Ezra's fate to his wife and children. He had to soothe the widow's tears of grief even though he couldn't and give her the new responsibility of guarding the fragment before vanishing, never to be seen again; it was rumored that he killed himself out of sorrow and guilt. Soon after, the woman with white hair and white eyes also disappeared.

And yet, time goes on.

The year is now 2225; one hundred years after the battle. Civilization has flourished with the help of Atticus's descendents. While it is not the same as it was before the war-looking more like it's in the 19th century than the 23rd-technology has vastly improved thanks to the discovery of steam-powered engines. The Greyman, Middleton, Reeves, Albern, and Walker families continue their duty to guard the fragments as they await for the inevitable confrontation. In addition to their own family members, they recruit others who show potential as Evokers and train them.

Until the Wraiths finally make their move.

Four of the five fragments are stolen, some of the families' more prominent members killed in the process. There are also rumors of five generals called the Pillars leading the Wraith army. And once the final fragment is recovered and a suitable, willing vessal found, the Lord of the Abyss will return.

The war will soon begin.

The five families assemble in the Central capital to protect the final fragment as long as they can. Everyone focuses on the coming battle that may determine the fate of not only their country but the world as well. There are other rumors going around, too. Of descendents of the supposedly lost Sterling family. Of the reappearance of the oracle; the woman with white hair and white eyes. All the pieces are falling into place.

God, help us all.

╚ Aftershock~In Our Solemn Hour~The Commandments~World Layout~Evokers~Wraiths~Profiles~White List~Black List~Role Play ╝

[LegalAssassin13]

The Commandments
‡The Commandments‡

• For any dispute, my word is final. The only people who have more power than me on this thread is the Gaia admin.
  
• Remember the basic rules and courtesies when role playing; no godmodding, power playing, or munchkins. Treat your fellow role players with respect even if your characters hate each other. And above all, follow Gaia's forum rules. I don't want to see this thread banned.
  
• This board respects any person/character of any gender, race, religion, or sexual orientation. If your character has a problem with any of these, that's fine. But if you have any prejudices that you can't keep to yourself, this isn't the rp for you.
  
• To make things fair, combat will be determined by rolling dice via the post action. If the number is even, the attack MUST connect. If it is odd, the receiver may choose if their character gets hit or not. The only exception to this rule is if two players are planning something.
  
• Password for profiles is "We Approach the End."
  
• Help your fellow role players, PLEASE! If you see someone trying to get involved in the rp, help them out. I've been on this end before and it's NOT fun.
  
• About the secrets in the profiles; this is knowledge not open to everyone. If you want your character to know it, you'd better have a good reason. Please check with the person controlling the character before you decide if the character knows.
  
• If you have any questions, ideas, or complaints either put them up on the OOC/Recruitment board or-if you want to keep it private-PM me. I can't read minds especially when online; if you want something, you gotta let me know. Be straight forward rather than hide it.
  
• I understand that everyone has a life outside of Gaia (at least I hope so!). Be patient if someone takes awhile to post and give a heads-up if you won't be able to post for awhile. If you're gone for a period of time, I'll give a summary of the events that happened while you were gone once you get back. And if you're not interested in the rp anymore, please say so! Yes we'll be sad to see you gone, but it's better than you being asked over and over "aren't you going to post?"
  
• On that note, I'd like you to post at least once a week and write at least a paragraph. I'm not too picky about writing otherwise; besides grammar and spelling, of course(PLEASE no chatspeak in character!). You can make your posts pretty if you want, but I'm not really going to care if you don't.
  
• If you feel that someone said something hurtful-whether they intended it or not-tell them to stop. Hopefully they will respect your feelings, but if not let me know. This is supposed to be fun for everyone, and if someone is bothered by what someone else is saying than I'll do my best to take care of. Please keep in mind, however, that this is a role play and if someone's character is saying something hurtful than it may not reflect the person's opinion.
  
• On the subject of romance, keep it interesting. Just because someone is "taken" or has an incompatable orientation doesn't mean your character can't try to woo them (unless you're looking for romance).
  
• PLEASE use text everyone can read! Nothing too small or bright. It's fine if it's to make your post look pretty, but if it's stuff for the rp don't make it too challenging for others to read.
  
• Profiles can change as the role play goes on. Just let me know-or remake the profile-and I'll make the changes.
  
• If you want to make a reservation for a character, feel free to ask me. Just keep in mind you have a week to get the profile done; if I don't get one, the position will be open again.
  
• This list of rules is subject to change. Keep an eye on it.
  
• Above all, have fun!

╚ Aftershock~In Our Solemn Hour~The Commandments~World Layout~Evokers~Wraiths~Profiles~White List~Black List~Role Play ╝

[LegalAssassin13]

World Layout
‡World Layout‡

Despite the current time, current technology and architecture is more akin to the 19th century with some advancements (think steam punk). Most people go with this and adopt fashion from that period with adjustments; of course, there are always exceptions.

The population of the world-while still having some disagreements-are more closely knit due to the disaster nearly a century ago. Everyone came together to rebuild their homes and are still moving forward in advancements. However, prejudices and stereotyping still exist; especially between people living in one of the capitals and people living outside in the "wastelands." (it's similar to the gap between the rich and poor) While not as bad as it was before thanks to the world's repopulation, there are still some people who frown upon homosexuality. There is very little gender discrimination and religious institutes are varied and found in multiple places.

Generally, people who live in the capitals either have wealth or status, sometimes even both. Many who live in the capital see themselves as better than those living outside; some take pity on the poor "underprivelaged" inhabitants of the Borderlands and try to help them as much as possible because they believe it's their duty. There are still some who may help simply because they want to. However, there's no telling whether that's really the case or if they simply want the reputation as a humanitarian.

Outside the capitals lie the Borderlands. Believed by those living in the cities to be barbaric and lawless lands, those who can't afford to live in the capital live here. Typically, the farther you are from the capital, the poorer you are and the more chaotic your surroundings. Those who live out in the furthest "ring" called the outerlands usually turn to theft and poaching to survive. Due to the amount of crime, outerlanders are required to have a band on their left ear so they are recognizeable. People living in the innerlands between the outerlands and the capital are usually merchants, craftsmen, and farmers. Like people from the capital, they see outerlanders as criminals and outlaws while some see capital people as snooty. In turn, capital people look at innerlanders as only a little better than outerlanders only because they make themselves useful.

Even further out than the outerlands are the dead lands, called that because of the ruins from a world before the war. Little grows here, yet "wild men"-those who refused to live in civilization-thrive and often attack any who enter. They also invade the outer and innerlands from time to time. Only the most adventurous or the "tours" venture into the dead lands either for supplies or to kill the wild men.

There are three ways to improve social status and move closer to the capital. First is to gain enough wealth and/or status, which is extremely rare (and even when it's done, many "native" capital inhabitants look down on newcomers). Second is for a person or a family member of theirs to enlist in a tour of duty to fight the wild men outside the capital. However, this is only enough for outerlanders to move to the innerlands. To move to the capital, multiple tours or outstanding acts are needed, and those people are often considered blood-thirsy or barbaric by capital people. The third-and relatively unknown-way is for sleepers to be found by Evokers; they are immediately taken to the nearest capital for training before forming contracts.

The capitals are;
Northern Capital-home of the Middleton family. Dedicated to the protection of the country and is also where matters of the law are settled.
North Western Capital-home of the Walker family. A popular gathering place for scholars looking for lost history.
South Western Capital-home of the Albern family. Many technological advancements are made here.
South Eastern Capital-home of the Reeves family. Considered the trading hub of the nation, imports and exports are found here, along with transportation for the rest of the world.
Central Capital-home of the Greyman family. The official capital of the country. Leaders from the other capitals gather here once a year and for the most important matters.
Lost Capital-former home of the Sterling family. Once called the North Eastern capital and a place for artisans to thrive, Wraiths now use it as their base. Even those who have no knowledge of wraiths don't venture close to it, believing the place haunted.

╚ Aftershock~In Our Solemn Hour~The Commandments~World Layout~Evokers~Wraiths~Profiles~White List~Black List~Role Play ╝

[LegalAssassin13]

Evokers
‡Evokers‡

Everyone has a power sleeping inside them, however it remains inactive. Many go their entire lives without using it. But when a person has a close brush with death or comes into close contact with either an Evoker or a Wraith, their power begins to surface. These "sleepers" draw Wraiths towards them and begin to have visions, some of them prophetic.

If an Evoker finds them, the sleeper is taken into their custody and brought to the capital for training and to form a contract with one of the etheral beings called Guardians. This contract helps the Evoker develop their power using a small amount of the Guardian's, but first they must draw a Guardian's attention either through power, action, or moral fiber. Once they are trained properly, the Evoker is assigned a place they must keep an eye on and defend if necessary. The only times they leave are when they are called to defend a place against a full-scale Wraith attack or if they find a sleeper.

An Evoker's power is a base-starting simple and growing as they evolve-while a Guardian's power adds to it. For example, an Evoker who can communicate with animals may have a contract with a Guardian whoes power adds to it; they can also take on the traits of animals or turn into a bestial version of themself.

There seem to be three stages to an Evoker's power. First is Summoned-their most basic ability augmented by their Guardian's. Next is Manifest-their power is manifested as a weapon with more control. Finally, Silhouette-the Evoker themself embodies their power and has a full extent. Every Evoker has their own pace when it comes to the three stages, so they aren't often pushed when it comes to achieving them; it will happen when the time comes. The strongest Evokers can access Silhouette.

Multiple Evokers can have a contract with one Guardian, but they can't have multiple contracts with different Guardians.

The following are the families brought together by Atticus and are responsible for facing the Wraiths along with other duties;

The Leader Greyman-Descended directly from Atticus. (Insert name) is responsible for not only guarding the last fragment of the Lord of the Abyss but also for making the final decisions regarding the Evokers.
The Martyr Middleton-Descended from Ezra Middleton. With the war coming, (Insert name) is mobilizing the Evokers and making sure they are ready. Some wonder if they will have to sacrifice themself just as their ancestor did.
The Scholar Walker-Descended from Marian Walker. Pastor Walker knows very well that knowledge is power and gathers what information he can about Evokers, Guardians, and Wraiths.
The Inventor Albern-Descended from Elizabeth Albern. With their resources, (Insert name) has what they need to create items that may help in the coming war.
The Watcher Reeves-Descended from Alicia Reeves. (Insert name) is in the best spot to send scouts out into the rest of the world and communicate with/send other Evokers outside the country.
The Pariah Sterling-Descended from Mihai Sterling. Thanks to the incident a century ago, (Insert name) has little to their name. What part they'll play in the coming war is up to them.
The Oracle The woman with white hair and white eyes-No one knows much about Aziza Rayia. Some believe she is a powerful sleeper who deliberately kept her powers from awakening to help Atticus. Others think she is an Evoker with prophetic powers and a strong connection to the Guardians. There are some who even think she herself is a Guardian. Whatever she is, all can agree on one thing; she will be a Wild Card in the coming war.

╚ Aftershock~In Our Solemn Hour~The Commandments~World Layout~Evokers~Wraiths~Profiles~White List~Black List~Role Play ╝

[LegalAssassin13]

Wraiths
‡Wraiths‡

Not even the Evokers know much about the creatures called Wraiths. They know that Wraiths come from another world wrapped in eternal night with a blood-red moon shining in the black sky and that they took over the Lost Capital as their base. They know that Wraiths reproduce using humans via a drug called "Lunace" made from the Lord of the Abyss's blood. They know that sleepers-and some Evokers-who ingest the blood turn into Wraiths and keep their minds rather than become mindless monsters. And they know that those Wraiths have the same power development as Evokers, with the Lord of the Abyss acting as the Guardian.

What they don't know is why.

It's obvious that humans aren't needed for Wraiths to reproduce. And according to the records of the battle a hundred years ago, the Lord of the Abyss asked his family to join him either for their power or the lingering familial love Mihai kept, though these may be inaccurate.

Then there's the Pillars; what is behind their names? Are they traits that the Wraiths carried from their mortal life? Something to do with their powers? Or their duties? There certainly is no denying their power, though...

And what of the rumors about a cult worshipping the Wraiths? Does such a thing exist? If so, why do they do this? Perhaps they believe that the Wraiths will create a new world for them. Or they simply fear what the Wraiths could do to them if they gain their ire.

The most powerful Wraiths are;

Pillar of Deceit-Not all Evokers are as loyal to the Guild as many believe. Some of them secretly pass information or sabotage missions on behalf of (Insert name) for whatever reasons they may have.
Pillar of Insanity-(Insert name) is responsible for distributing Lunace among the population and creating more Wraiths.
Pillar of Solitude-Sleepers are gathered by Amalia Weatherby before they can come into their power so they can be turned into powerful Wraiths. She also likes to "collect" various people to keep her company...
Pillar of Desire-Somehow, Valtiel Reihaline can figure out what someone wants and offers it to them...for a price. Rumor has it she also loves to torment Evokers with twisted forms of what they wish for.
Pillar of Destruction-Leading the army of Wraiths under the Lord of the Abyss, Lucif Malister is the right hand of his Lord.
The Lord of the Abyss-Even though he isn't as powerful as he once was, (Insert name) is still a formidable force. But with no physical body of his own and many of his vessals expiring...rather quickly...he constantly has to find someone willing to carry his essence until he finds a more suitable host. Luckily there is no shortage of fanatics willing to give their lives to him. That and he absorbs the souls of those he possesses.

╚ Aftershock~In Our Solemn Hour~The Commandments~World Layout~Evokers~Wraiths~Profiles~White List~Black List~Role Play ╝

[LegalAssassin13]

Profiles
‡Profiles‡

What part will you play in the coming war? Will you be one of the Evokers, preparing for the inevitable battle with the Lord of the Abyss and his army of Wraiths? Or will you be a Wraith-perhaps one of the Pillars-carrying out your Lord's wishes? Maybe your the Lord of the Abyss himself. Or even the lost Oracle returning once more.
(Please PM me if you wish to play as the Oracle or the Lord of the Abyss before creating a profile)
Note; Evokers and sleepers can turn into Wraiths if they ingest the Lord of the Abyss's blood. There are rumors that exist of an Evoker who can turn Wraiths back into humans, but they remain unconfirmed.

Evokers

[align=center][i]Pulled from the Records office regarding Evokers.[/i][/align]
[align=center](Image here if you have one. If none, describe the photo of your character)[/align]
[align=center][u][size=20][color=color1](First Name)[/color] [color=color2](Last Name)[/color][/size][/u][/align]
[align=center][u]Stationed at (Place they are stationed in or-if new recruit-city they are training in)[/u][/align]
[color=color1][b]Recorded by[/b]:[/color] [color=color2](Username)[/color]
[color=color1][b]Gender[/b]:[/color] [color=color2](self-explanatory)[/color]
[color=color1][b]Age[/b]:[/color] [color=color2](Again, self-explanatory)[/color]
[color=color1][b]Date of Birth[/b]:[/color] [color=color2](Birthday)[/color]
[color=color1][b]Place of Origin[/b]:[/color] [color=color2] (Where are they from originally?)[/color]
[color=color1][b]Status among Evokers[/b]:[/color] [color=color2](Are they a squad leader? One of the family heads? A new recruit? A trainer?)[/color]
[color=color1]Formed Contract with [b](Guardian-be creative!)[/b] on [b](date contract was made)[/b].[/color]
[color=color2]Prefers to use [b](weapon of choice-NOT Manifest)[/b] with [b](preferred method of combat; include powers and what stages your character can access)[/b].[/color]
[color=color1][b]History[/b]:[/color] [color=color2] (Give at least a two-paragraph bio of your character.)[/color]
[color=color1][b]Head Evokers' thoughts[/b]:[/color] [color=color2] (What do they think of your character? Are they an upstanding Evoker? Too rash? Mean-spirited but respected for their skills? Has the best intentions but just screws everything up? Remember, this is how you're seen by the guild not how you really act! A traitor could be very prominent, after all.)[/color]
[color=color1][b]Important Misc. Information[/b]:[/color] [color=color2](Anything else you feel people should know. Personality and likes/dislikes can be revealed during the rp itself. You could put religion here if you want, however).[/color]

[align=center][i]Underneath the records is a scrap of paper with barely legible writing.Some of the scribbling reads "[b](character nickname; if not applicable, just their first name)[/b] is [b](sexual orientation)[/b]!" but is ignored in favor of the much more interesting text in the center.[/i][/align]
[b][u]TOP SECRET[/u][/b]: [color=white](Any secrets your character has? Please specify if it's something they do or don't know)[/color]

Wraiths

[align=center][i]Pulled from the Records office regarding Wraiths.[/i][/align]
[align=center](Image here. If none, describe what the photo looks like)[/align]
[align=center][u][size=20][color=1](First Name)[/color] [color=color2](Last Name)[/color][/size][/u][/align]
[align=center][u]Last seen (place they were spotted last)[/u][/align]
[color=color1][b]Recorded By:[/b][/color] [color=color2](Username)[/color]
[color=color1][b]Gender[/b]:[/color] [color=color2](self-explanatory)[/color]
[color=color1][b]Estimated Age[/b]:[/color] [color=color2](How long have they been around, approximately?)[/color]
[color=color1][b]First Seen[/b]:[/color] [color=color2] (When did the Evokers first encounter them? And where?)[/color]
[color=color1][b]Rank[/b]:[/color] [color=color2](Ranking goes; S-exceedingly dangerous, A-very dangerous, B-dangerous, C-a mild threat, D-annoyance. Only Lord of the Abyss is S. Pillars are generally A. Keep in mind rank depends on how dangerous Evokers regard character, not how dangerous they really are.)[/color]
[color=color1]Prefers to [b](what are they known for doing the most?)[/b][/color].
[color=color2]Seems able to [b](what can they do that Evokers know for a fact? Include "stages")[/b].[/color]
[color=color1][b]Takes orders from:[/b][/color] [color=color2](If your character is a Pillar, put the Lord of the Abyss down here. If not, put the Pillar your character takes orders from. They still have to do what the Lord of the Abyss and other Pillars say, but they generally take orders from a certain Pillar).[/color]
[color=color1][b]If seen[/b]:[/color] [color=color2](What should Evokers be advised to do if they see your Wraith? Ignore them? Kill on sight? Leave it to stronger Evokers?)[/color]
[color=color1][b]Other Important Information[/b]:[/color] [color=color2] (Anything else you feel Evokers should know about your Wraith? Personality and likes/dislikes don't count unless you give a good reason. Otherwise, reveal them as the role play goes on.)[/color]

[align=center][i]Under the records is a piece of paper that was obviously hand-written. It reads "You forgot a few things. Why don't I help you?"[/i][/align]
[color=1](Put at least two-paragraphs of your character's bio down here.)[/color]

[align=center][i]There's also some scribbling that seems to read "He/She's [b](sexual orientation)[/b]!" but you ignore it for the much more interesting note at the bottom.[/i][/align]
[b][u]TOP SECRET[/u][/b]: [color=white](Put any secret you want here. Please specify if it's something your character does or doesn't know.)[/color]

Accepted Profiles

╚ Aftershock~In Our Solemn Hour~The Commandments~World Layout~Evokers~Wraiths~Profiles~White List~Black List~Role Play ╝

[LegalAssassin13]

White List
‡White List‡

Anyone who really helps out gets recognition here.

• No one yet
  

╚ Aftershock~In Our Solemn Hour~The Commandments~World Layout~Evokers~Wraiths~Profiles~White List~Black List~Role Play ╝

[LegalAssassin13]

Black List
‡Black List‡

The people listed here are banned from the rp.

• No one yet. Let's try to keep it like this.
  

╚ Aftershock~In Our Solemn Hour~The Commandments~World Layout~Evokers~Wraiths~Profiles~White List~Black List~Role Play ╝

[LegalAssassin13]

Role Play
‡Role Play‡

Year 2225

l January l February l March l April l May l June l July l August l September l October l November l December l

l 1 l 2 l 3 l 4 l 5 l 6 l 7 l 8 l 9 l 10 l 11 l 12 l 13 l 14 l 15 l 16 l 17 l 18 l 19 l 20 l 21 l 22 l 23 l 24 l 25 l 26 l 27 l 28 l 29 l 30 l 31 l

l Morning l Noon l Afternoon l Evening l Night l

l Sunny l Cloudy l Raining l Snowing l Hailing l Storm l

The capital leaders are gathering in the Central Capital for their annual meeting. Likewise, the Evoker house heads are also traveling not only for their own meeting but to prepare for a future Wraith attack. They have brought many of their own to help them protect the final Wraith fragment the Pillars and possibly the Lord of the Abyss himself will attempt to obtain. While everyone knows that the time for the final battle will approach, they want to buy as much time as possible for others to prepare.

Meanwhile, the Pillars prepare for the invasion and await their Lord's command...

The role play is now open. Announcements will be updated here, so keep an eye on this post. That's all! You may now post!

BTW, below is a link to the Recruitment/OOC board. Feel free to chat here and get others to join (we need more people!).

Recruitment/OOC board

╚ Aftershock~In Our Solemn Hour~The Commandments~World Layout~Evokers~Wraiths~Profiles~White List~Black List~Role Play ╝

[LegalAssassin13]

"Never will I forget where I came from..."

It looked like it was going to rain outside.

Ian briefly glanced outside, taking in the dark clouds filling the sky. At the very least there would be rain, maybe a thunderstorm. Unlike most people currently going about on the streets, he wouldn't mind the rain or the possibility of thunder and lightning. In fact, he hoped it would be a storm. Ever since he was a child, thunderstorms fascinated him. The way the lightning arced across the dark sky followed by the deep rumble of thunder...

It was beautiful.

Laying back on the bed, Ian returned his focus back on the pages of the small paperback book that declared itself "Macbeth" by Shakespeare. The playwrite's works were among many of the works of literature that were either preserved before the war or that scholars managed to rediscover. This particular work was what Ian learned to read from when he was young; a bargain between his parents and a man from the innerlands who lost everything he owned. Food and shelter in return for their child's education, a deal Ian's parents considered fair. As did the young man looking back.

"No news yet?" He asked aloud. His trainer-one of the Evokers called to the Capital-brought Ian with due to their teacher/student relationship. They arrived yesterday, and the older man had been called away for some sort of duty. He instructed Ian to continue his training until he was finished, which should be some time before the invasion.

The book was closed. "Well, now's a good time as any. May as well practice a bit." Despite his reputation as rash and stubborn, Ian didn't disobey every order given to him. Just the ones he didn't agree with.

"...Or what I committed myself to."

[LegalAssassin13]

"Roses are red, violets are blue...

"There! All cleaned up!" Amalia smiled while wiping off the cake crumbs from Victoria's face. Her newest friend needed to be fed by someone else until she could move a little on her own, but Amalia wouldn't abandon her for something so silly.

After all, she was the one who brought Victoria here in the first place.

Humming, Amalia returned to her side of the table where she was holding the tea party. All her guests seemed oddly gloomy today; perhaps because they knew she would have to leave soon? It was understandable; Amalia hated it when people left her.

But the kind man asked for her help and she owed him so much for helping her gather so many friends to keep her company. She would never think of turning him down; Amalia made a promise to him a long time ago that she would do whatever he asked as long as she was never alone again.

And he kept his end of the bargain; not only could Amalia keep as many friends as she wanted-as long as no one else needed them-but she also got frequent visits from the kind man, her new brothers and sisters, and her more mobile and talkative friends. Not that the friends she was with right now were boring, they just didn't talk or move very much.

Leaving every now and then was a small price to pay.

"Don't worry, everyone!" Amalia cheered her friends up. "I'll only be gone for a little bit and then I'll be back! I might even bring a new friend!"

Her friends didn't look as gloomy now. Good; Amalia would hate for them to be sad.

"...Pretty please stay forever. You will, won't you?"

[Mister Winchester]

Rory Pendross

In a soulmate we find not company....

The windows fogged as the train raced towards the central capitol, fleeing from the ominous storm clouds following closely behind. Little droplets of water were starting to leak from the smaller less oppressive clouds above. Rory stared of of his compartments window wondering what would have this time, whether more women will try to get with him being completely oblivious of how he isn't attracted to them in any sort of way, or harassed by other Evokers for not wanting to be with women, let alone wanting to go and drink after the long day of meetings, lectures, and fruitless debates on whether his new technology is safe, or should be introduced to the public and just kept for the higher ups.

The sound of thunder rumbled behind the train as it whirred through the city almost to its destination.It would arrive at the station where Rory would make his way to the facility that houses all of the out of city Evokers go for housing. Then once there he would rest. He has been working on a new invention that he has to propose to the other inventors. He wasn't worried, more anxious than anything. He didn't want to be put down again, but he knew if he did he would soon get over it and that invention would soon join the others in his 'turned down' closet.

Rory rubbed the fogged up window and looked out trying to make out the blurred shapes of the city as he zoomed by. After a while the train soon came to a slow stop and eventually halted at the platform. Rory stretched then made his way to his luggage and followed the group from his capitol to the dorm like facility.

They hurried through the city wanting to get out of the rain. The storm caught up with them and the rain came down in torrents. Every now and then the sky would light up and then the city would shake with the intensity of the thunder. Rory stayed hidden under his over coat and pulled his hat forward so the water would stream down his back. He held his suitcase under him as he hurried down the street. When he finally made it they checked in and were given their rooms. Seeing that no one wanted to room with him, Rory got a room to himself, a small one, but his own. He hung up his coat and unbuttoned his vest and sat down on the the small armchair with a great sigh.

....but a completed solitude.

[LegalAssassin13]

"Never will I forget where I came from..."

Sure enough, Ian could hear the pitter-patter of rain hitting the building he was in. He smiled when he heard thunder.

"Perfect time to go out." Ian decided. He grabbed his jacket off the nearby chair, pulled it on, and headed for the doors. Along the way he passed another Evoker-an older male carrying a suitcase-and tried not to bump into him.

The others waiting in the lobby stared as the young man stepped outside. Wind blew around him; perfect for practice. It was harder for Ian to control air that wasn't moving than it was to control moving air. His trainer warned against pushing his limits and he wasn't going to go against those warnings for practice.

Ian breathed in deeply, exhaled, then made sure no one could see him. He closed his eyes and concentrated on the air around him, subtly changing its direction until it wrapped around him. The howling of wind and the booming of thunder filled his ears, but no rain touched him. He didn't mind the chill that came with.

Seems he was starting to get the hang of it.

"...Or what I committed myself to."

[Mister Winchester]

Rory Pendross

In a soulmate we find not company....

Rory sat in the armchair thinking about what to do. He wasn't tired and needed something to do. He sat their toying with one of his pistol. His eyes started to glow a grayish blue and so did the gun. The gun came apart, every piece separated from another. He focused on some of the parts, which shifted and reformed. He smirked a little and the gun went back to its normal state but looking the slightest bit rounder.

He tucked the gun in his shoulder holster and felt his hip holster to make sure the other gun was there.He stood up and reached for his coat. He grabbed his hat and walked out of the room. On his way down the stairs to the door. He put his hands in his coat pockets and walked out.

Rory would rather think to himself than talk to himself out loud.He looked up at the rain and though, I should do some target practice, never sniped in the rain. He walked to one of the taller building where he saw the fewest people and climbed up the fire escape on the ally side of the building. He walked behind a chimney pipe and drew out both of his pistols, and rested his elbows on the chimney. Rory's eyes started to glow again. The pistol and his lower forearms glowed as well. His forearms turned metallic and lines that resembled the etching on a computer chip. The guns melted into his arms and then formed a large sniper. The scope materialized in front of his eye and he looked through. He searched to find a target. He's never shot in such wind. He searched the area, and saw this blurry wind humaniod like thing. He zoomed in on it and he could recognize the controller, it was the man he saw actually avoid him him so he wouldn't bump into him. His face reddened when he saw how attractive he was. He disregarded it and started shooting chimney pipes, unfamiliar with the feeling. he missed at first, cursed some, and then learned how to aim to negate the winds effects.

....but a completed solitude.